First Time at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Japan

January 10, 2023 Ruth Dela Cruz

I wish I could just start and end this post with just exclamation points and ⚡⚡⚡ emoji.

The first day of our Osaka, Japan trip was dedicated to my trip to Hogwarts – the Universal Studios Japan where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located.

I felt that the visit to Universal Studios Japan was a long overdue plan. My friends and I were set to visit in 2020, but then the pandemic happened.

We didn’t have Hagrid to pick us up from the hotel, or floo powder to transport us. We relied on Google Maps to find our way from our hotel in Midosuji to Universal Studios Japan.

I am so blessed to have my friend join and indulge me in my adventures. 🥰

Travel time is one hour so we left early before the opening of the theme park (9:00 AM). The Express Pass was sold out for that specific day and we wanted to make sure that we arrive early and make the most of our visit.

Harry Potter Universal Studios Japan Ruth dela Cruz

Harry Potter Theme Park Japan 2023 Ticket Price

Ticket Prices

Universal Studios Japan Pass: price varies depending on the date / peak season. Our ticket costs Php 3,429 each.

Express Pass: a separate ticket that would allow you to skip the lines to different rides and attractions. Price depends on the date and package (starts at Php 2,400 and can go up to Php 7,000 per person)

Make sure to book in advance (the price varies depending on the day of the visit). The Express Pass that I wanted to buy (Express Pass 7) costs around Php 7,000/pax during our visit (November 2022) and was sold out 2 weeks before the date.

Book via the link below:

I just saved the vouchers (no need to print them) and scanned them at the entrance.

✈️ Travel Tip: as soon as you enter, make sure that you register a slot to the Super Nintendo World. Download the USJ app and scan your ticket to validate and book a slot. When we got in at 9:00 AM, we got the slot for Super Nintendo World for 3:20 PM Timed Entry (more about Super Nintendo World on the next post).

We familiarized ourselves with Universal Studios Japan. I always enjoy theme park dates – but I was not really pumped up to try deadly rides during this trip.

Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I was so kilig on our way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

As expected everything is magical inside Hogwarts.

We had Butterbeer (available hot or cold) – I prefer the Cold Butterbeer that reminds me of Rootbeer. We explored Hogsmeade and familiar stores like Ollivanders. There were so many wizards and witches around carrying their wands and casting spells (there are areas inside the park where you can cast spells using your wand).

I wore my Slytherin scarf that I bought a long time ago. The Sorting Hat sorted me as Gryffindor (took the test twice! hehe), but I felt that I am a Slytherin. Living my life based on who I am.

We rode the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 4D and it is the best 4D ride I ever tried! Before we took a seat on the ride, we walked through the gates of Hogwarts and inside the castle. I didn’t have clips/photos of the castle because I left my phone in the locker (was so worried I might lose it).

✈️ Travel Tip: we lined up for 1 hour to get to the ride. If you have Express Pass, you can skip the line and save time. Make sure that you go to the restroom first (and say hello to Moarning Mrytle).

Inside the castle, you can see the Mirror of Erised, the Hogwarts House Jewels, talking portraits, the Sorting Hat, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Three Broomsticks Restaurant

We checked out the food kiosks outside and the lines were crazy long (Turkey Leg was trending that day!) so we decided to go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and lined up at the Three Broomsticks to complete my Harry Potter experience (thank you again, friend, for indulging me!)

Harry Potter Theme Park Cafe Japan 2023 Three Broomsticks Price

I really love the interior of the restaurant, the food is decent (not the best) but then again, we paid for the experience. I would have love to eat outside but it seemed that Hogwarts was under construction (it was a challenge to get a good photo).

We had the Christmas Plate JPY 2,600 and Fish & Chips JPY 2,200 (and Iced Coffee JPY 380 for me!)